This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/19/2014
If not for Joe Montana, who knows if Bill Walsh would have been labeled "The Genius" by his contemporaries. When the Hall of Fame coach installed Joe Cool into permanently into the offense, the 49ers started to blossom and went to heights never before enjoyed by the organization. Montana donned this "Champion [size] 44" jersey when he was in the prime of his Hall of Fame career - circa 1985-87. Quite possibly this may be the finest Montana gamer to surface on the open market. MEARS has bestowed a perfect grade of GU 10 to this Canton-worthy mesh garment. Featured in the tail is a "Russell Athletic [size] 44" manufacturer's label and suspended fabric content identifier. The screened-on identifiers show great overall wear. The front "6" shows minor cracking from use. The reverse "6" includes a few hit marks and at least one blue facemask streak. "Montana" is properly spaced to a nameplate. Minor staining appears on the front left shoulder and "NT" on the name on back, and approaches the back numbers. Both sleeve ends are full and uncut, as verified by MEARS from 1984-87. In '88 Montana wore jerseys with a cut sleeve. A true investment-grade gamer with impeccable provenance! Accompanied by a full Letter of Grading & Authenticity from MEARS.